Memphis Depay feels he is playing at his best since moving into a central role with Lyon and the Dutch national team. 

  • By Michael Bell
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The forward has been in outstanding form recently, netting five goals and contributing five assists in his last four league games for Lyon.

Speaking to the official Lyon website, Memphis said on his recent form,  “I think I’m at my best right now. I feel very free on the field. I have confidence, and that’s good. I don’t think too much about the pitch. I’m just enjoying the moment. I’ve felt the difference since the beginning of the season. It’s important for me to play every match the best I can. If I can give assists or score goals, that’s fine. Obviously I’m really happy when I score, but first and foremost I want to play well. I want to be at my best every game and have fun. The rest will come naturally.”

Memphis is known to be a winger, but recently he has been played through the middle for club and country, which he believes suits his game more. He said, “When I played at the PSV Eindhoven youth level, I was rather positioned as a centre-forward. When I got to the first team, I was placed on the left. I have been in this position ever since. When I came to OL last season, we played differently. It took a lot from me and the other wingers on the defensive side. It was difficult to go from defence to attack. It was impossible for me to play this way.

“I said it. We had several discussions on this subject. It wasn’t really where I was at my best. I came here to bring all my qualities. When you are on the left or right, you have to run a lot more now. I understood what the coach was asking me, I accepted it but I also said that it was not my main strength. I thought OL might have bought the wrong player. There was a change upon my return from the national team. It’s good for the team and good for me.”

On the Dutch national team, Memphis added, “We have a new coach, new tactics and a very young group. I think I play an ideal role in this system. We all have to work hard and expect a lot more from ourselves. We have a real mission because we can’t miss out on qualifying again.”

The failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup still haunts Memphis, “I don’t think I’m going to watch the World Cup. It still affects me. I will rest and prepare for next season.”




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